Principal Legal Officer - Operations Law (Maritime)

Job Req ID

Home Affairs - 138550

Location

Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time

Classification

Principal Legal Officer - $157,938.00 and $177,318.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

Contact Officer

Kerrie Cowan on 02 6264 2252 or [email protected]

Office Arrangements

Flexible  - Flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational requirements of the role.

Applications close on 17 / 07 / 2025 at 11 : 59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

About our opportunity

This process is being used to fill 1 immediate position / s.

Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit list or pool to fill similar vacancies for up to 18 months anywhere in ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA.

About our team

Group Manager Legal | Group Manager Legal | Security Disputes & Operations Law | Operations Law (Maritime)

The Security, Disputes and Operations Law Branch is responsible for delivering high quality in-house legal services to the Department of Home Affairs, including the Australian Border Force (ABF). It is responsible for providing legal advice on portfolio legislation and operational matters, national security as well as prosecutions and enforcement.

The Operations Law (Maritime) Section sits within the Security, Disputes and Operations Law Branch. The section is responsible for providing legal advice on operational matters including in relation to Operation Sovereign Borders and fisheries matters, as well as compliance, customs and migration issues in a maritime operational context. The section also delivers legal training to ABF officers.

Please visit our website for more information about the Department of Home Affairs or Australian Border Force.

Our ideal candidate

We are seeking a suitably qualified, enthusiastic and dedicated lawyer and leader who is excited to join our Legal Group. As a Principal Legal Officer you will lead a specialist team of lawyers in a dynamic environment supporting the operational needs and outcomes of the ABF. We are seeking someone who has the following knowledge or qualities :

• Comprehensive understanding of, or ability to quickly obtain understanding of, the Maritime Powers Act 2013 or Migration Act 1958 and other legislation of general application
• Strong legal advice writing and research skills and ability to actively manage and navigate complex legal issues
• Detailed understanding, or ability to quickly obtain understanding, of the Department's policy, program and operations and the political environment in which it operates.

The Principal Legal Officer of the Operations Law (Maritime) Section should be able to :

Duties and responsibilities

As a PLO in Operations Law (Maritime) you will, under the supervision of the Assistant Secretary, and as part of the Legal Group Executive Level leadership team :

Provision of written and oral legal advice on the interpretation of statutes, case law and common law

Contributing to the development and execution of the Group's business plan

Additional information

Essential Qualifications :

Desirable Qualifications and Experience :

How to apply

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 17 / 07 / 2025 at 11 : 59pm (midnight) AEST  – Late applications will not be accepted.

As part of your application you will be required to prepare and submit a one-page applicant response document in relation to the advertised role, outlining :

Please ensure you read the instructions carefully, noting failure to address identified requirements may lead to your application being deemed ineligible.

Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number – 138550 in the document footer.

Prior to preparing your response it is recommended you review the Work Level standards relevant to the classification you are applying to. It may also be useful to refer to the Integrated Leadership Systems information relevant to the classification.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the position you must be an Australian Citizen.

The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 2 (AGSVA) security clearance, and :

In certain circumstances, an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC) may be required in addition to, or in lieu of, an Onboarding Check, which will be determined by the delegate as necessary.

Diversity and inclusion

The Department is committed to workforce diversity and applicants who are Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander, come from a diverse cultural or linguistic background or have a disability are encouraged to apply.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit : https : / / www.apsc.gov.au / recruitability

Technical assistance

For technical enquiries please call or email for assistance :

Please include any applicable screen captures, a response will be provided during business hours.

Notes

The Department of Home Affairs offers an attractive remuneration package, including salary, superannuation benefits and flexible working conditions appropriate to the level of the position. The Australian Public Service (APS) Employee Value Proposition (EVP) highlights the top reasons our employees enjoy working in the APS.

The Department may provide relocation assistance to eligible APS employees required to relocate. The level of assistance will vary depending on the reason for relocating and your personal circumstances. For further information please enquire with the contact officer listed in the advertisement.

Information about employment and advice on how to apply for vacancies can be obtained from the Department’s website at https : / / www.homeaffairs.gov.au / about-us / careers

Candidates should be aware that in roles where vaccination against COVID-19 is required by public health orders / directions or other legislation proof of vaccination will be required. If a candidate is not fully vaccinated or is unwilling to be vaccinated within a reasonable time period, they may not be offered that role.